What is Nickel?

Nickel is a silvery-grey metal, and its compounds are often a bright green colour.

Nickel can be found in different forms, including:

• Polishing or other processes on stainless steel and nickel alloy articles
• Welding of nickel and alloys
• Electroplating industry
• Pigments for paint, pottery, glass and plastics
• Catalysts in the chemical industry
• Manufacture of stainless steel, coins, magnets, chemical and food process equipment

Exposure can enter the body by inhaling dust, fumes or mist containing nickel as well as skin contact with dust or solutions containing nickel.

Symptoms / Effects of Exposure

The toxicity of nickel metal and inorganic nickel compounds vary, depending on how easily they dissolve.

Short-term effects can include:

• Irritation of the skin on contact with solutions of soluble nickel salts.
• Eye irritation from exposure to nickel dust, fumes or splashes from nickel containing solutions.

Long-term effects can include:

• Allergic reactions in the skin and respiratory tract
• Asthma;
• Inflammation of the lungs;
• Cancer of the lung and nose, particularly the sinuses.